If a majority of the votes cast are against the adoption of chapters 70 to 76 of this title (s. 40:70-1 et seq.) said chapters shall remain inoperative and no further proceedings shall be taken until after the beginning of the last year of the term of the mayor, or equivalent officer, elected at the election following the rejection of said chapters 70 to 76, after which date, upon the presentation of another petition or request as hereinbefore provided, the same procedure shall be had and the question of the adoption or rejection of the provisions of said chapters 70 to 76 again submitted in the manner herein prescribed and with the same force and effect.